NASHVILLE — Ben Zobrist and his family visited San Francisco on Sunday, and let’s just say it isn’t a coincidence that Brian Sabean, manager Bruce Bochy and CEO Larry Baer are arriving a bit later than usual to the winter meetings.

Zobrist is on his way here, too (he lives in Tennessee), and he reportedly has a meeting set up with the Washington Nationals. With the Mets very public in their pursuit of Zobrist, it appears it will take a fourth year to complete a deal. The Cubs and Dodgers are on the periphery as well. So are the Braves, although Zobrist has told clubs that he wants to play for a contender. Everyone engaged with the 34-year-old switch-hitter expects that a resolution will come before the meetings conclude on Thursday.

The Giants would acquire Zobrist to be their primary left fielder, with the ability to spell Panik, Duffy and possibly Crawford on the infield.